Former Kakamega Senator and DCP deputy party leader Cleophas Malala/FILE
Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) deputy leader Cleophas Malala has proposed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as the running mate for the United Opposition in the 2027 General Election.
Malala said the deputy president position in the opposition coalition should go to a leader from the Western region, adding that the Luhya community was not seeking the presidency but wanted to be considered for the second-highest office.
He said opposition leaders should agree on one presidential candidate before settling on a running mate from the Western region.
"We as the Luhya community have said we are not asking for the presidency. We are reserving the deputy presidency. Whether the opposition settles on Kalonzo, Gachagua or Matiang'i as its presidential candidate, those who do not get the ticket should support the chosen candidate," Malala said.
He proposed Sifuna for the role, describing him as the preferred candidate from the region.
"I am proposing that we front our son Edwin Sifuna to become the Deputy President. If Kalonzo is chosen as the opposition presidential candidate, that is fine. If Gachagua is chosen, that is also fine. But the deputy presidency should go to our son, Sifuna," he said.
Malala added that if the coalition opts against Sifuna, then it should still consider another leader from the Western region for the position.
"If anyone wants to deny us the deputy presidency, then they should instead give us the presidency. And if Sifuna is not the preferred candidate, then another leader from our region, such as Eugene Wamalwa, should be considered," he said.
His remarks come as opposition leaders continue consultations aimed at forming a united front ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The coalition has brought together several leaders who have publicly expressed their intention to field a single presidential candidate against President William Ruto.
Among the key figures associated with the alliance are former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i and DAP-Kenya leader Eugene Wamalwa.
While discussions on the coalition's presidential ticket have continued, the alliance has not formally announced either its presidential flag bearer or running mate.
